SleepFactors

BioGenesis SleepFactors is a comprehensive, non-habit forming formula of amino acids, botanicals, and melatonin that promotes a healthy and soothing night of sleep. Promotes healthy circadian rhythms. Provides nutritional neuro-endocrine support for normal sleep patterns. A safe and well tolerated combination of nervine and sedative botanicals and essential minerals for muscle relaxation and neuro-endocrine nutrient support.

Melatonin is the principle hormone responsible for healthy circadian rhythms and normal sleep cycles. It is produced from L-tryptophan, which is converted to 5-HTP, then to serotonin, and finally to melatonin. Both L-tryptophan and 5-HTP can cross the blood brain barrier and increase the endogenous production of serotonin and melatonin, and have been shown to have their own sedating effects. Melatonin and L-theanine also increase GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS which exerts an overall calming effect on the body. Inositol is another nutrient that may also have a relaxing effect. It is thought to positively affect serotonin receptors and promote a beneficial emotional response.

These nutrients work together synergistically to modulate the hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for restorative and regenerative sleep.

Melatonin: regulated by the normal light and dark cycles of night and day. Darkness stimulates the secretion of melatonin while light exposure causes its endogenous breakdown and inhibits production. When exposed to prolonged times of darkness endogenous production of melatonin will decrease. Low levels of melatonin are found in those who have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, the elderly, and people with conditions associated with decreased serotonin levels including chronic pain conditions and mood disturbances. Melatonin may effectively facilitate the discontinuation of benzodiazepine therapy and help improve sleep quality in those experiencing jet lag.

Tryptophan: Tryptophan has been shown to have a significant sedative-like effect but does not impair performance like sedative medications. Tryptophan deficiency causes a reduction in serotonin production in the CNS causing mood disturbances, memory impairment, aggression, and sleep disturbance. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): the biochemical intermediate in the conversion of L-tryptophan to serotonin. 5-HTP readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. 5-HTP’s beneficial effect on serotonin and melatonin may be why it has been shown to improve REM sleep.

Calming Botanicals: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular herb used as a natural sleep aid to support restful sleep. Its popularity is due to the fact that most people do not experience the morning sleepiness that is common with benzodiazepine medications. Traditionally, calming and sedative herbs have been combined to potentiate the therapeutic effect of the formula. In BioGenesis’s Sleep Factors higher dose nervine herbs such as Scutellaria lateriflora, Passiflora incarnata, Lactuca virosa, Matricaria chamomilla, and Humulus lupulus are combined with lower dose sedating herbs including Piscidia piscipula, Zizyphus jujube, and Eschscholzia California.

Relaxing Minerals: Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals in the body responsible for hundreds of reactions in the body. When taken together they improve muscle contraction and relaxation, cellular energy production, and nerve cell conduction. These essential minerals can have spasmolytic effects on tight, tense muscles promoting an undisturbed and comfortable slumber.